Original Paintings from Japanese legend Ozuma Kaname.....

Ozuma Kaname needs no introduction here. A contemporary of Horiyoshi III, Kaname's body of work consist primarily of nude women brandishing stunning wabori - Japanese style tattooing, and images of tattoo iconography. His dragons and Buddhist deities have found their way not only into his impressive tomes but into mainstream Japanese culture as well. His artwork can be found on jigsaw puzzles and postcards. As the tattoo culture on the whole here in Japan is still very taboo, this is quite an impressive feat.

I met Ozuma sensei several years back at one of his gallery shows here in Tokyo. Later I was invited to his studio outside of Tokyo. The small two room apartment was filled floor to ceiling with his art...none of it actually on display, just stacked on shelves and in boxes. He expressed the desire to sell some of it and I offered to help by translating and doing write ups. The information about the pieces below is from the sensei himself...he doesn't remember exactly when these were painted but I got as much relevant info as I could think to ask, fine art not being my area of expertise. Prices were set by Kaname himself and payment will go to him, via bank transfer. I will oversee shipping and can help with any and all details. Please understand that I am aware that these paintings are not cheap, but serious inquires will be considered. These illustrations will only appreciate in value and are truly a piece of Japanese history.

Please email Crystal at info@gominekobooks.com for additional information.

Jigoku Dayuu

(Courtesean of Hell) adopted by Zen priest Ikkyu who converted her. She wears the kimono of a lady, but decorated with scenes from hell. Jigoku means hell and is a term used for the lowest rank of unliscensed prostitute, Dayu is an honorific for the highest ranking courtesan.

size: 60.6cm x 45.5cm unframed

painted on silk with Japanese Sumi and ganryo inks

USD 8,200

Hagoromo

The feather mantle of a Tennin, or celestial being, is called a Hagoromo, made famous by a Noh play of the same name. The Tennin performs a dance honoring the moon, in exchange for her mantle, discovered on a tree by a fisherman.

size: 72.7 x 53. cm unframed

painted on silk with Japanese Sumi and ganryo inks

USD 13,750

Shienrenjo by Ozuma Kaname

This is a brand new, beautiful copy of Ozuma Kaname's SHIENRENJO. Born in Niigata, Japan in 1939 Kaname's art draws from traditional Japanese themes - gods and demons. The majority of his prints are designed for tattooing, and his work is often used by master tattooist Horiyoshi III, who's customers, in turn, often model for Kaname . This fourth collection of works is vivid. It is very similar to his 2nd book, TATTOOING - predominately Japanese Shibari - all the women are bound. As a matter of fact, all of you still looking for a copy of TATTOOING that won't run you $500.00+ you will be very pleased with this book. No text, all paintings.....this is a first edition, and copies are limited.

Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 129 - Published: 2007 - Price: $98 - Binding: Softcover

Tattooing - Ozuma Kaname OOP

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Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 142 - Published: 2000 - Price: $575 - Binding: Hardcover w/box

This is a beautiful, mint condition copy of Ozuma Kaname's 2nd book TATTOOING. Incredibly hard to get, I happened across this copy in a bookstore that specializes in rare/hard to find books.

Born in Niigata, Japan in 1939, Ozuma Kaname's art draws from traditional Japanese themes - gods and demons. The majority of his prints are designed for tattooing, and his work often inspires master tattooist Horiyoshi III, and he, in turn, paints many of Horiyoshi III's female clients. This second collection of works is truly remarkable. There is an afterward by Horiyoshi III in both Japanese and English as well as one by Kaname himself. This volume is predominately Shibari art - Japanese rope binding - so is graphic in nature. It is hardback, bound in blue silk and comes in a cardboard box for protection. First edition, first printing.

Ozuma Kaname Prints - set of 5 - Women

Size: 14.5" x 21.5" - Published: 2008 - Price: $65
This is a set of 5 prints, just released, from Japanese Artist Ozuma Kaname. Famous for his portraits of tattooed women (as well as paintings of shibari) Kaname has done portraits of some truly stunning tattoos, not to mention women. He is friends with Japanese master tebori tattoo artist Horiyoshi III, whose customers Kaname regularly has pose for him. This print set was just released in Japan. All 5 prints are reproduced on high quality paper, are sent flat to avoid any creases before framing. They are 55cm x 37.5 cm (21.6" x 14.7") and would make a beautiful addition to any wall - shop or home! This set is all of women, there is a second set available of his animal imagery that is equally stunning.

Ozuma Kaname Prints - set of 5 - Animals

Size: 14.5" x 21.5" - Published: 2008 - Price: $65
This listing is for a set of 5 prints, just released, from Japanese Artist Ozuma Kaname. Famous for his portraits of tattooed women (as well as paintings of shibari) Kaname has done portraits of some truly stunning tattoos, not to mention women. He is friends with Japanese master tebori tattoo artist Horiyoshi III, whose customers Kaname regularly has pose for him. This print set was just released in Japan. All 5 prints are reproduced on high quality paper, are sent flat to avoid any creases before framing. They are 55cm x 37.5 cm (21.6" x 14.7") and would make a beautiful addition to any wall - shop or home! This set is of animal and deities and includes a dragon/tiger, a horse, a tiger, Kannon on a dragon and the seven gods of fortune. There is a second set available of his portraits of tattooed women that is equally stunning

Tattoo Mystique by Angelique HoutKamp

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Size: 7.5" x 9.5" - Published: 2009 - Price: $24

This is the second publication by Dutch tattoo artist Angelique Houtkamp, who has made quite a name for herself in the contemporary art scene with her magnificent old school tattoo artistry and paintings. Her pin-ups are brilliant and her artwork is fresh while still remaining loyal to old school traditions in style. This follow up to Tattoo Darling has some fun new material that made us giggle (and want to get tattooed!!). I personally love the old school carnival element to this collection.

Ozuma Kaname's Tattoo Fantasy

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Size: 8 " x 11.5" - Pages: 146 - Published: 2003 - Price: $185 - Hardcover in sleeve

This is by far my favorite Kaname publication. It includes 75 full page full color illustrations and 18 pages of sketches and mdels photos. This book is predominately portraits with a few amazing renditions of popular tattoo motifs - dragons, tiger, a kirin and a brilliant fujin and raijin. This book does not include any of the shibari (rope bondage) imagery found in his earlier publications. All in all a beautiful book, both inside and out, and a must have for any serious collector of Japanese Tattoo reference art.

Japanese "Outlaw Art" Journal - featuring Horiyoshi III, Shige & Tenmyouya Hisashi

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Size: 5.5 " x 8.5" - Pages: 212 - Published: 2009 - Price: $32 - Softcover

This is a monthly art journal whose September issue covers "Outlaw Art" and includes interviews with Horiyoshi III, Shige and Tenmyouya Hisashi. The text is in Japanese but there are enough photos inside to make it worth pitching to international collectors. The entire issue is filled with cool photos and odd illustrations....it features some rad images of the bosozoku gangs which Hisashi often draws from. Pretty cool little book.

Ozuma Kaname's Tattooed Beauties OOP

I just got my paws on this awesome little book - used but in near mint condition. It is softcover and 239 pages of full color/full page prints - no text, all paintings. This was a limit printing and these books are hard to find, even here in Japan. Born in Niigata, Japan in 1939 Kaname incorperates two of his perceived world of beauty into his artwork - tattooed Japanese women and shibari (Japanese rope bondage). His work is often inspired by customers of his friend, master tattooist Horiyoshi III. This collection of works is all shibari and quite intense. A must have for Kaname collectors.

Size: 6” x 9” - Pages: 239 - Published: 2006 - Price: $65 - Binding: Softcover